Dean Bloxham

DEAN BLOXHAM IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dean Davis Bloxham, 85, of Idaho Falls, died January 10, 2009, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of causes incident to age. He was born October 5, 1923, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to John Charles Bloxham and Elizabeth Davis Bloxham. He grew up in Idaho Falls and attended Holy Rosary Catholic School, O. E. Bell Junior High, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He served in the U. S. Navy for 30 years, and during that time fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the first part of the Vietnam War. During his years of service, he served on the USS John R. Craig DD 885, USS Rombach DE 364, USS Mansfield DD 728, the USS Ozbourne DD 846, J C Breckenridge AP 176, USS Kearsarge CVS 33, USS Anderson DD 411, USS McGowen DD 678. Dean received many awards: American Campaign Medal, American Defense SVC Medal with bronze “A,” Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 silver stars, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal with 4 bronze stars, Korean Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, national Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon-Foreign with 1 bronze star, Philippine Unit Citation-Foreign, Honorable Service Lapel Button, China Service Medal, and the Republic of Korean War Service Medal Foreign. His greatest accomplishment was seeing so much of the world: more than 23 countries. Dean enjoyed meeting the diverse people of this world. He was married to Bonnie Storer from 1969 until 1980. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad, the INL, the State of Idaho, and Sears, from which he retired. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a member of the Bonneville County Jeep Patrol, a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and camping. Survivors include: Daughter: June (Joseph) Nielsen, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Robin (Charles) McCracken, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Dawn (Craig) Follett, Idaho Falls, ID 7 Grandchildren: Victoria NeSmith, Gabriel, Kisa, Tehya, and Willow McCracken, and Addison and Jayden Nielsen. 3 Great-Grandchildren and his 20 pound tomcat, Rome. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Vella and Marjorie; and five brothers, Harvey, Charles “Chick”, David, Alton, and John. “Old sailors never die, they just sail away.” Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations to the Idaho State Veterans Home, 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Lisa Hawkins lvmnms@cableone.net June and family, I only met your sweet dad once. That was enough to know how much he loved you, Joe and those sweet babies!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If I can do anything please contact me. Morgan Garriott tius2@aol.com Dear Bonnie, Robin, Dawn, and June...I am so sorry to hear of Dean's passing. My thoughts are with you. Morgan Mas Tadesse My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. Stay strong. I knew your father served in the Navy, but, I never realized how decorated your father was. I always enjoyed talking with him on the phone, even if he didn't get my name right . . . "M-a?!?" "Ma?!" No Mas! :) If there's anything you need, reach out . . . Sincerely, Ma